Liberman Extols 'Israeli Dream' of Immigrating, Becoming MK

Foreign Minister enthuses over the success of Russian Aliyah, says Israel could have Russian-speaking Prime Minister.

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Moshe Cohen, 07/04/14 21:04

Avigdor Liberman

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Speaking to members of the Jewish community in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn – which has a preponderance of Russian immigrants – Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman said that he foresees a day when Israel will have a Russian-speaking Prime Minister.

A report in Ha'aretz had Liberman praising the immigrants from Russia to Israel, many of whom have taken key roles in Israeli political life. “Only in Israel can an immigrant from Russia reach such high offices, like Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein or Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky. Only in Israel can a young man arrive and 20 years later become Foreign Minister,” Liberman said, referring to himself.

A scenario in which Liberman himself runs for the office of Prime Minister is not unthinkable. On Sunday, Liberman said that he would not agree under any circumstances to another round of terrorist prisoner releases. If the government does go release more terrorists, Liberman will pull his party out of the government, most likely causing new elections.

“Yisrael Beiteinu will prefer to go to new elections than to see more Palestinian prisoners released, even in a 'package deal' in which Jonathan Pollard would be released as well,” Liberman said.

“We cannot return to this kind of arrangement whereby we release terrorists to keep the talks with the Palestinians going, considering the moves they have recently.” Liberman was referring to last week's application by the Palestinian Authority for recognition as a member state in 15 UN agencies.